The Principal's Perspective: Jump Jam

Marriene Langton Principal/Tumuaki

Tēnā koutou e te whanau. This is my 17th year as tumuaki of our lovely kura. I am one-eyed when it comes to providing the very best education for all of our tamariki, strong connections to whanau and applying Attachment Psychology so every child has a champion adult at our school who believes in them unconditionally. I just can’t see past it. Our kaiako and kaiawhina go the extra 50 miles to give our children the best chances to succeed. My family is number one. After 20 years of camping holidays in Kaiteriteri, Graham and I are recidivist “glampers “ and ready for new adventures in our latest caravan. It’s brilliant when our family joins us too. I've had the privilege of being part of the design team so we could build a new school after the earthquakes and now we are full-on working with architects to design a new hall. That's a dream we never thought that we would see. Watch this space.

Thursday, September 4, 2025

Jump Jam

Our little team has been working so hard to prepare for the Jump Jam Competition which was held at Cashmere High Auditorium on Saturday 9 August. Thanks to Amy (and support crew Denali) for their mahi. On Friday, Brett Fairweather, the inspiration behind Jump Jam NZ came to their final practice to do some last minute coaching and to ramp them up, ready to perform.

Brett is super hyped and jam packed with energy. He just keeps on keeping on. He reminds me of my childhood friend, Billy Graham who is a NZ boxer and inspirational speaker. There’s no holding him back and just talking to him makes me feel exhausted.

The team won a technical award and we were so proud of them. Their timing had sharpened up and their moves were punchy and high energy.

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Senior Leadership Team after Campbell and Before Clara

Once upon a time there were Marriene, Marina and Hannah in the Senior Leadership Team. THen the baby Fairy visited and Hannah left to have Campbell. After a while Hannah came back, and for three weeks all was calm, all was bright. Then Marina left to have baby Clara. The magic stays though because Glen has been Acting Assistant Principal and quite content to be shifted around the Chess Board of Leadership. It is reassuring to know that neither Glen, nor Marriene are planning on having any babies now or in the future. And they all lived happily ever after.

2025 Cultural team

Kia ora, talofa lava, malo e lelei, nisa bula vinaka, kia orana and warm pasifika greetings. We are your friendly Māori and Pasifika cultural team for Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon School. We are responsible for leading cultural opportunities during the school year, including Hāngī, Fono/Hui in terms 1, 2 and 3 as well as the Success Celebration in term 4. We are here to serve and support your whānau throughout the year and we look forward to working alongside you in 2025. Ngā mihi, Fa’afetai lava.

Milli Sullivan Scale A Beginning Teacher Puna Paranui Rima

Harvey Gordon Puna Paranui Fixed Term Beginning Teacher

Steven Moseley Puna Paranui Tahi

Steven Moseley Puna Paranui Tahi Kia Ora Koutou. I am Matua Steven and I’m having a blast as a part of the Puna Paranui team in 2025. I’m returning to teaching after a brief break along with some time overseas and I couldn’t be happier to now be a part of the Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon community. I am a lifelong musician and performer and love sharing this passion with ākonga whenever possible. Over the past 6 years I have focused on developing as a classical singer and today I am fortunate to be a member of the New Zealand Opera chorus. I will be singing with them as a part of their main stage production later this year. 2025 is looking to be a fantastic year and I can’t wait to see what’s to come!

Phil Law Puna Scale A teacher Paranui Toru

Tēnā koutou katoa, ko Phil Law toku ingoa. I am a second year beginning teacher and excited to be in Puna Paranui Toru this year. My wife and I have two daughters, one at Cashmere High School and the younger one at South Intermediate. It was through coaching them in junior sports that I decided to make the switch to teaching. On my weekends you will most likely find my on the sideline at a sports ground, coaching cricket in the summer and football in the winter. I'm looking forward getting to know people in our school community so feel free to stop by and say hi.

Megan Smith Part Time Release teacher

Kia ora! Ko Megan tōku ingoa. My name is Megan and this is my first year at Te Ara Koropiko. My role is release teacher at the kura. I have recently moved down (but we like to think we moved up!) to Ōtautahi from Tāmaki Makarau with my husband and my 12 year old daughter. I am madly passionate about the arts, my former role was as a full time dance teacher in secondary school. We are all excited for the production this year, I hope you can all come along at the end of Term 2 to see it! You might see me on road patrol Monday mornings and Thursdays after school and your students will see me in class or at Ukulele with Whaea Ashleigh on Thursday lunchtimes. Im looking forward to continue to get to know you, all of the students and exploring all the amazing things about Ōtautahi. We absolutely love it here!

Kaitlyn Hall Puna Hao Rua

Kia ora koutou! I’m Whaea Kaitlyn, and I have the absolute joy of teaching the awesome new entrants in Harakeke this year. This is my first year as a kaiako, and I couldn’t be happier to start my teaching journey at Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon School. Originally from England, I’m loving life in New Zealand and so excited to be part of this amazing school whānau. When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll find me Highland dancing, which I’ve been doing for 16 years and have even earned my Diploma in Highland and National Dancing. I also love spending time with family and friends, as well as going on walks. I can’t wait to dive into 2025, make some great memories, and have heaps of fun learning together!

Dennis Nuberg

Hello, I am Matua Dennis, and have had the pleasure of joining the TAKWSS team a year ago. Trained in Europe as a Gardener, I am loving the diversity of work that school maintenance brings with it. The interaction and information sharing with the curious minds of active children is a true bonus to the work environment. I have also been busy in the world of dogs for many years running a dog walking and training business.. This remains a part of my working week to this day. Fun fact : Owned the only half wolf (hybrid) in NZ that came with us, to NZ, under the guise of a Husky!

Jo Finch ESOL ORS Part Time Teacher

Kia ora koutou. I’m Whaea Jo. I am a release teacher and I work with children who have extra needs. That makes me an ESOL and ORS specialist teacher. (the last sentence was written by Marriene) I am thrilled to be back on the Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon staff having had a break from teaching last year to further my knowledge around how to help our neurodiverse ākonga. I love getting out in nature, geocaching with my family, walking my lovely dog, baking and doing amigurumi crochet. We employed Jo on a fixed term basis a few years ago and we were delighted to get her back on the team as ORS and classroom release. She is always a happy camper and always willing to go the extra mile.

Jorja Te Hau Scale A Second Year Teacher Puna Hao Ono Years 1-3

Jorja Te Hau Puna Hao Ono Kia ora, I'm Whaea Jorja and this is my second year at Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon School! I'm excited to be continuing teaching in the Puna Hao team with the Year 1s and 2s. I am also the Out-of-School Sport Coordinator for our kura, and encourage all our tamariki to get involved in some of our awesome team sports! When I'm not teaching I enjoy being with my whānau and friends. You will often find me out shopping or exercising. I have a beautiful dog named Mana, who is four years old. I am so lucky to be a part of such a strong community and I am excited for another great year!

The Senior Leadership Team

Hannah Assistant Principal, Marina, Deputy Principal and Marriene Tumuaki. We work in the same office space “Tuna” in the admin block “Kīwai.” We have adapted a scrum system to ensure that we address strategic work and don’t get caught up in administrivia. Helen and Rachael are essential to our operation, and between the 5 of us, we oversee the safe and smooth operation of the school. We laugh a lot, even on the most difficult days. It’s a pleasure coming to school knowing that we have a great team working for a great team.This is us. Hannah Gardiner Assistant Principal, Marriene Langton Principal, and Marina Shehata Deputy Principal.I'd love to say that we are the Dream Team but there is no time to dream in our day. We share an office so we are accountable to each other and able to share workloads when a job needs to be completed urgently. There are a lot of laughs and even a few tears in our day. We keep a watching brief on the big picure and love being able to see classes in action across the school. We are very proud of our teaching team and support staff. keep

Marina Shehata Deputy Principal

Hannah Gardiner Assistant Principal, Puna Hao Rua Team Leader, New Entrants.

Kia Ora! I'm Whaea Hannah and I am excited to be teaching Year 1 in Toetoe this year. We will be working closely with Whaea Taylor and the tamariki in Toetoe 2. I am in my fourth year teaching at the awesome Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon. It is heart warming to see my original Room 10 tamariki becoming leaders of the school now they are seniors. I have formed connections with students I will hold dear to me for years to come. When I am not teaching, I am kept very busy with my family, friends and gorgeous dog Brie. I am passionate about supporting children to reach their full potential and taking pride in their achievements. I am blown away by the new playground, golden sandpit and bike track all opening this year. Bring on 2022! Poipoia te kakano kia puawai - Nurture the seed and it will blossom.

Epenesa Iva Scale A BT Puna Hao

Talofa lava, o lo’u igoa o Whaea Nesa. I am super excited to be teaching in Harakeke with the NE/Yr 1 this year. I am a New Zealand born Samoan and I love to share my knowledge, culture and background with those around me. I started working as a teacher aide here at TAKWSS in 2017-2019 and truly found a passion for teaching. Four years later and I’m back as a qualified teacher. Yay! When not at school, you’ll find me with family and friends most likely eating somewhere. I also love all things music. worked here as a kaiāwhina before she completed her degree and trained as a teacher. She is classroom teacher in the Years 0-3 area and specifically teaches Year 0. Oh my. She is a singer musician and has the most fantastic eyelashes. Nesa has expertise in Pasific culture and is a mesmerising dancer in traditional Samoan dance.

Amy Duckmanton Co-Team Leader Puna Hao Puna Hao Tahi in Year 0/3

Kia Ora koutou! I am Whaea Amy from Puna Hao Tahi. I have the privilege of teaching the New Entrants and year 1’s in Harakeke. I am team leader for Puna Hao and sports champion team leader. I am so excited for another year of teaching and building relationships with my beautiful students and their whānau. I love the strong sense of community we have at Te Ara Koropiko. In my spare time, I love socialising with my friends, going for a run and spending time with my family! I look forward to seeing some old faces and meeting some new faces this year.

Janice Krammer Puna Hao Whitu Maths and Oecologista Lead Teacher

I am teaching a lovely bunch of year 3 children in Te Pahuri this year. I have a small list of jobs I do around the school. The breakfast club runs each morning from Te Pahuri kitchen. All children are welcome for a chat, drink and/or breakfast. The enviro group or gardening club is great fun as the children really shine when outside getting dirty. This involves the planting, watering and harvesting of different foods in the school. We try each year to grow the veges for the hāngi but they often disappear as they ripen. The younger children have no worries about the bugs when they are digging or ones they find in the apples they eat. I am lead teacher on the implementation of the new maths curriculum. With all the staff on board we are slowly and carefully implementing changes. I am staff rep on the WWSFW and support the fundraising within the school. Look out for the cheese rolls.

Denali Lord Co Team Leader Puna Hao Rima

Denali Lord Puna Hao Rima Hi, I am Whaea Denali. This year I am teaching in Tī Kōuka and have a wonderful class of Year 1 and 2 tamariki. I am sharing the roles of Puna Hao Team Leader and Sport Coordinator with Whaea Amy. Outside of school I am a wife and mum to three children, two girls and a boy. Our youngest has just become a teenager, so having little ones at school is a delightful change of pace. I love being out and about exercising and enjoying the views from the Port Hills. They are my happy place and I love that you can see them from my classroom. I enjoy pottering in my garden and reading in my spare time as well as spending time with family and friends.

Glen Campbell. Puna Paranui Team Years 4/5/6.

Puna Paranui Wha Kia ora koutou, Ko Glen Campbell ahau. This is my sixth year as a kaiako in Puna Paranui, I am also the lead teacher in performing arts and am enjoying stepping into leadership roles. Born in Gore, raised in Christchurch, I have taught all over New Zealand and abroad. I am a family man, love sports and music and learning alongside the tamariki in the classroom. You'll find me relaxing by spending time with my family in the outdoors, listening to a range of bands and music and reading up on the latest news in the educational world. Old sports injuries have slowed me down, but I still like a run around the park with the children. Ngā mihi nui.

Tamara Kepa Puna Paranui Team Leader Years 4/5/6. Te Kouka 1

Libby May McColgan. Puna Hao Rua Part Time Teacher.

Libby McColgan Puna Hao Rua Kia ora my name is Whaea Libby and I work in Harakeke 2 days a week and I am a release teacher for the senior school. It has been 10 years since I first started working at Te Ara Koropiko and I love this school and community. I hold the Student Leadership Unit within the school where I work alongside our student leaders to create exciting house events throughout the year. I love house days and thrive on setting challenges and activities for the children to complete together in their houses - I love seeing the school come together for days filled with so much fun! When I am not teaching I am kept busy with my 3 children Isla, Archie and Gracie. I love to spend time with family and friends and I enjoy reading, cooking and shopping! I'm really looking forward to another exciting year ahead.

Jan Murray Part-Time Literacy Specialist Teacher

Kia ora koutou. Ko Jan toku ingoa. My name is Whaea Jan. I started at West Spreydon teaching ESOL part time and later trained as a Reading Recovery teacher. I taught in London and Auckland for many years before moving to Christchurch with my husband and two children. I love learning, so apart from my previous qualifications I also have a Diploma in Te Ara Reo Maori. I am passionate about teaching and I am excited to see my students grow in their learning. I love to travel and experience new places and I enjoy reading and getting outdoors.

Helen Ross Personal Assistant to the Principal.

Kia ora I’m Whaea Helen PA to the Principal. This is my fourth year at TAKWSS and you will find me in the school office. I support the leadership team with the day-to-day running of the school. I enjoy working with such positive and vibrant colleagues who are inspiring to be around. Our school has a very special community connection. Outside of work, I am a wife and busy Mum of two teenagers. My interests are travel, exploring other countries and cultures, camping, skiing, arts, cooking and op shops. I love a renovation or upcycling project. Coffee is a good friend of mine too. If you are new to the school please come say hello. I look forward to meeting you!

Megan Hilton

Kia Ora I am Whaea Megg, I am one of the fabulous teaching assistants here at TAKWSS. I have been here since 2021. I have 3 children of my own and ever since my daughter was 4 years old (now 12!) I have been helping with coaching and managing all of her sporting teams alongside my partner. I love working with children and supporting them with all their needs. I don’t have much spare time outside of working and playing taxi to my kids but if I do I love hanging out with my family friends, shopping and Netflix!

Margaret Smart Teacher Assistant extra extraordinaire and Library Assistant

Kia Ora, My name is Whaea Marg (Margaret is too long!!) and I have been at Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon School for a very long time!! Originally from the West Coast I came to Christchurch to train as a School Dental Nurse and worked in a number of Primary Schools. I have also worked at Fendalton Library and began working in schools with Learning Programmes after doing a Certificate in Special Needs at Teachers College. I am in charge of our School Library and keeping an up to date selection of books is a major goal of mine. Outside school I enjoy gardening, spending time with our family and reading a good thriller.

Angela Fridd, Teacher Assistant.

Hi, I'm Ange. I began working part time at West Spreydon School 12 years ago on February 22nd 2012. Then went full time with my variety of roles increasing. Behaviour support, RTLB / ORS. A selection of reading, maths, phonics programmes, working alongside teachers with students when and where required throughout the curriculum. I was fortunate to grow up in Oxford on a farm. A particular pet lamb I had would walk to the corner down from my school and wait for me to leave school some afternoons. I played netball, softball and volleyball. I began a career in nannying that included working for an All Black Physio. My dad was a shearer. I followed in his footsteps living life in the shearing sheds. After four years I left, to pursue more nannying. Dad taught me how to shear sheep. Climbing Mount Oxford was a feat I accomplished with dad. Baking, cake decorating, jigsaws, diamond art, gardening, playing my vast music collection, road trips on our Harley Davidson, Ruapuna Speedway occupy my spare time. Last, but not least, it is a huge honor and privilege being part of and contributing to, a highly successful, experienced and supportive teaching assistant tribe.

The Principal's Perspective

Marriene Langton Principal/Tumuaki

Thursday, September 4, 2025

Jump Jam

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